Spring has sprung (sort-of) in the DMV and the boating community is buzzing like our brains on a Saturday night. After a long winter of shrink-wrap and what-ifs, the Potomac is calling our names again. The Virginia Department of Health has officially lifted its remaining restrictions on contact with the river from the American Legion Bridge down to the Chain Bridge, and things are looking on the up. If you want to check “levels”, we like the PRKN maintains a nice That means the river is open for business once more, and no more “Pooptomac” worries holding us back. It’s time to shake off the cabin fever, uncover the boats, and get ready for a full throttle season on the water.
The calendar is already filling up with the kind of events that make boating life on the river the best decision we ever made. On Saturday, May 16 the Occoquan River Maritime Association (ORMA) will hold its traditional Blessing of the Fleet, which is a perfect way to kick things off with good vibes, safety wishes, and a parade of boats at Belmont Bay Harbor Marina (rain date May 17). Then comes one of the biggest raft-ups on the entire river: Belmont-a-Palooza returns June 20-21 at Belmont Bay for two days of music, cold drinks, floating parties, and the kind of memories that last until next winter. More events are sure to surface soon, like the annual Charity Poker Run near Aquia Creek, Island Party, waterfront car shows, fireworks flotillas, and plenty of smaller raft-ups and crab feasts that make the river so special.
This year, keeping your wallet happy at the fuel dock is going to matter more than ever with prices bouncing around. That’s why the Fuel Prices page right here on the Pirates Guide to Boating will be your best mate all season long. We’ll make sure it’s completely updated every Thursday morning so you know exactly where to top off without getting hosed. Whether you’re running gas at the Wharf Marina or diesel at Point Lookout, we’ve got your back with the latest numbers from the local spots we all use.
So polish the chrome, check the zincs, and start making those 2026 plans, crew. The river is open, the events are stacking up, and the best days on the water are dead ahead. From the first Blessing of the Fleet to the last raft-up of the fall, let’s make this season one for the logbook. Fair winds, clean hulls, and see you out there, preferably with a cold one in hand and a smile bigger than the wake behind us.